Scholars in the study year 2021-2022

Visit to the Coptic Orthodox Monastery in Brenkhausen

With much hospitality and warmth, His Excellency Bishop Anba Damian welcomed us to his monastery, where we were able to immerse ourselves in the world of the Copts and Egyptians for half a day. In the middle of Germany, we were suddenly taken into the Orient and learned a lot about Copts, Egyptians and the history of the monastery in Brenkhausen. We were particularly impressed by the great hospitality and openness of Bishop Damian, with whom we ate, talked and prayed together. The monastery is a place of true ecumenism and Christian encounter and a great enrichment for our country.

Excursion to Detmold

In order for the scholarship holders to get to know their surroundings better at the beginning of the new academic year, an excursion to sights in the region took place again. In bright sunshine, they were able to climb the widely known Externsteine and enjoy the beautiful view of the wide landscape from the top. At the Detmold Open-Air Museum, the scholarship holders were able to take a trip back in time and learn about the building tradition of the area and were transported back in time to past centuries by the old buildings and villages of the museum. After a delicious coffee and home-baked delicacies in the early autumn sunshine, the group made their way back home and arrived safely at home.

Weekend at the Benedictine Abbey of Gerleve

In the guest house of the Benedictine monastery Gerleve, the scholarship holders spent a nice and entertaining weekend to get to know each other better and to have a good time together. There were interesting rounds of talks, a colourful evening with various cultural contributions from the different countries of the scholarship holders, an informative introduction by Father Ralph into the life of the Benedictines, combined with a guided tour through the important library of the monastery and cosy game evenings.  All in all, it was an enriching and joyful weekend!

Advent at the Irenaeus College

The pre-Christmas period in Germany has its very own charm. The scholarship holders also experienced this: Biscuits were baked together and a small Advent and St. Nicholas celebration took place at the Colleg, with beautiful songs, poems and a St. Nicholas story. Of course, St. Nicholas also came to visit and rewarded everyone for their good deeds with a chocolate Nicholas!
Another highlight of the Advent season was the visit to the Christmas market in Paderborn. With a good mood and hot drinks, the scholarship holders defied the cold weather.